This is part 2 of Train Conductor Mike. SSR spoilers, you've been warned.
So, here I am, sitting here with the pocket watch and I have no clue what to do. I have a name, and that's it, just a name. I'm sitting in my room, staring at the pocket watch and listening to Zombie by The Cranberries. (The original version, the good version.) The way I see it, I have three options, Erica, Ben, or Zoe. Ben probably doesn't have any contacts, Zoe is a traitor, and Erica is well...Erica. I sighed, what could I do. Then it hit me, literally...well, Erica hit me...aaaaannd I remembered I had something Erica wanted. I looked up at her from the floor and said "What was that for?"
"You weren't listening." She responded.
"So what were you saying?" I asked.
"I need- I need- I need help." Erica said quietly.
"Is it really that hard to ask?" I said sarcastically.
"Shut up." Erica retorted.
I shut up.
Erica looked at me. After a few minutes she said, "Well?"
I stared at her and pointed to my mouth while shrugging.
Erica stared at me.
"WHAT!?" I yelled, scared.
"You know what."
"You sound like my Mom."
She stared at me.
"Fine," I said. "what do you need help with?"
"You know what."
"No I don't." I lied.
"Your lying."
"Ok, fine, if you don't want my help you can find someone else."
"Fine." She sighed. Then Her mouth moved but I didn't hear anything.
"What? I couldn't hear you."
Her mouth moved again, this time I heard Bean, I was enjoying this.
"You need help cooking beans?" I said loudly.
"No, keep your voice down." She whispered.
I snickered. She stared at me, angry. I looked at my door, wondering if I could make it. Five seconds later I knew. I couldn't. But, Erica needed my help. So I was alive...for now.
"OK!OK!OK!I'llhelpyou,I'msorrypleasedon'tkillme." I said.
Erica looked at me satisfied that i was ready to comply.
"But," I said, "There's a price."
Erica scowled. "What?"
I handed her the piece of paper, "Run the second name on here through the C.I.A's database."
Erica looked at the name on the paper. "No need," she said "This person is a former C.I.A operative."
"Who is it?" I asked.
"My grandmother." Erica replied.
I stared at her and said. "On which side?"
"My fathers side, duh."
I stared at her, "So your father wasn't adopted or manufactured at a factory where bad spys are made?"
Erica slapped me.
"OWWW!" I yelled. "What was that for!?"
"Only me, grandpa, and My mother are allowed to insult him."
"And Ben I mumbled."
She slapped me again.
"Okay! I get it! Don't insult or make fun of you or your family."
"Now, where did you get this name?"
"A WWII veteran at the train station."
"What was his name?"
"Top of the list I replied. He said he knew her father."
"Did he give you anything?"
I handed her the pocket watch.
She inspected the watch carefully. After determining it wasn't bugged she said. "Write him a letter telling him the watch will be delivered through the mail shortly. Tell him to write a letter to her and you'll pick it up for him."
I called him, "Hello?" Someone said.
"Is Thomas there?" I asked.
"I'm sorry to tell you this but he just passed away a few minutes ago."
"What happened?" I asked.
"There was a complication in surgery. He's gone."
"What was the surgery for?" I asked.
"A tumor, we were trying to get it out."
"How long did he have left with out the surgery?" I asked.
"A few weeks or days."
"Ok," I said, "Thank you."
I looked at Erica, "He's gone."
Erica sighed, "I'll give my grandma the watch. Can you write down what he said when you met him, I'd like to give that to her."
"Okay," I nodded, "then I'll help you with your problem."
"Thanks," Erica said, "see you later."
"Bye."
I sat down and wrote my letter, then I began searching, through archives US and German. I called people and searched through file after file until I had a book, a story, of a Train Conductor in WWII. Then finally, at age 21 I published the book, under a false name and I.D. set up by Erica. Then I kept looking, for more stories to tell, more people to write about.
On that note if you like war stories I recommend a writer, Adam Makos, He writes true story's told by the soldiers on the front lines. His books that I have read are: A higher call, Spearhead, and Devotion. Read them, see what you think.
